Beijing has confirmed the implementation of reciprocal port fees for US vessels arriving at Chinese ports, mirroring measures announced by the US Trade Representative (USTR) earlier this year.

The USTR’s fees, announced in April and taking effect today, impose charges of $50 per net ton on Chinese carriers registered in China or Hong Kong, but not Taiwan, for each ship calling at a US port.

In a direct response, China’s Ministry of Transport last week unveiled a matching policy, also effective today. The new rules target US-built or US-flagged vessels, as well as those owned or operated by American entities or individuals holding at least a 25% stake.

China’s fee structure begins at RMB 400 (approximately $56) per net ton, rising annually to RMB 1,120 ($157) by 2028—closely aligning with the USTR’s tariff schedule.

The move underscores deepening economic frictions between the world’s two largest economies, coming just weeks before the current tariff truce between Washington and Beijing is set to expire.

Tensions have been further strained by China’s recent tightening of rare earth export controls and President Trump’s threat to impose an additional 100% tariff on Chinese goods.

Despite the escalating rhetoric, Presidents Trump and Xi Jinping are expected to meet later this month in South Korea, with hopes that dialogue may help de-escalate the growing trade dispute.

The team at Multifreight continues to monitor developments closely.